staff
Jessica Jarrard, Executive Director
she/her
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Angelica Peralta, Director of Programs and Operations
she/they
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Jarod Smilkstein, Director of Development
he/him
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Kree Thawley, Program Manager
she/her
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John Thorn, Admin Assistant and Caretaker
he/him
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Jess Craig, Agency Administrator
she/they
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Natalie Espino, Workshop Facilitator
she/her/Ella
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KEY PERSONNEL
Nicole Norstrud, Grant Lead/Fundraiser
she/her/ella
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Lauren Stephenson, Intern
she/her
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Alyssa Gonzales, Intern
she/her
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Catherine O’Neill Thorn, Founding Executive Director, Retired
she/her
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AfA facilitators
Art from Ashes facilitators range from Master’s degree experts in counseling and professionals in the field of child development to poets and artists. Professional development in the form of curriculum training and an adult workshop series, as well a background check is required. Facilitators also are provided ongoing supervision with bi-annual reviews, and monthly trainings from experts in various fields of study relevant to facilitating youth, including group dynamics, adolescent brain development and drug/alcohol counseling. Volunteers who wish to work directly with youth are required to enroll in an adult workshop as part of the training. Depending upon prior agreements, in most cases the entire cost of the workshop is reimbursed after the volunteer assists at eight youth workshops.
